SOCORRO, N.M., August 16, 2006 -- The New Mexico Tech Board of Regents, meeting in an emergency telephone conference this morning, has approved the posthumous granting of a bachelor of science degree in physics by the university to the late David Cady, 25. Cady, an undergraduate student at New Mexico Tech, died August 5 of a single gunshot wound sustained in an off-campus shooting incident.

Cady, a native of Watkins Glen, N.Y, was a senior majoring in physics at New Mexico Tech and had already earned more than 180 credit hours toward his degree. He was registered to resume attending classes at the research university this coming fall semester.

A campus-wide memorial service for Cady is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, August 21, at New Mexico Tech's Macey Conference Center, at which time Cady's parents will be presented with his awarded diploma.

Gina Chavez, secretary of the Physics Department, is working with David's friends to plan the schedule of events, and persons who would like to speak should contact Gina.

“The entire campus community has been shaken and saddened by the loss of one our own students in this tragic incident, and our heart-felt thoughts and prayers are extended to his family during this profound personal tragedy,” said New Mexico Tech President Daniel H. López.